Shin-ichi Uchida

Effect of a centrally active angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, perindopril, on cognitive performance in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have clinically been widely used as anti-hypertensive agents. In the present study, we compared the effects of a centrally active ACE inhibitor, perindopril, with those of non-centrally active ACE inhibitors, imidapril and enalapril, on cognitive performance in amyloid beta(Abeta) (25-35)-injected mice, a rodent model of Alzheimers disease. We also determined the brain ACE activity in order to elucidate the relationship between the cognitive function and ACE inhibition in the brain. Abeta(25-35)-injected mice showed a cognitive impairment in spontaneous alteration and object recognition tests, the indices of immediate working memory and relatively long-term recognition memory, respectively. As indicated by these tests, the oral administration of perindopril (0.1, 0.3 or 1mg/kg/day) significantly reversed the cognitive impairment in these mice, whereas neither imidapril (0.3, 1 or 3mg/kg/day) nor enalapril (1, 3 or 10mg/kg/day) had any effect on cognitive performance. Perindopril (1mg/kg/day), imidapril (3mg/kg/day), or enalapril (10mg/kg/day) all inhibited the plasma ACE activities by more than 90%. Using the same dosing regimen, only perindopril inhibited the brain ACE activities by more than 50%, whereas imidapril and enalapril showed much less potent effects. These results suggest that perindopril ameliorated the cognitive impairment in the Alzheimers disease model mice through the inhibition of brain ACE activity, but not peripheral ACE activity. Based on our observations, we concluded that a centrally active ACE inhibitor, perindopril, may therefore have a beneficial effect on Alzheimers disease as well as hypertension.

Synthetic studies on selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonists. Part II: Synthesis and structure–activity relationships of novel benzofuran derivatives

A series of benzofuran derivatives were prepared to study their antagonistic activities to the A(2A) receptor. Replacement of the ester group of the lead compound 1 with phenyl ring improved the PK profile, while modifications of the amide moiety showed enhanced antagonistic activity. From these studies, compounds 13c, 13f, and 24a showed good potency in vitro and were identified as novel A(2A) receptor antagonists suitable for oral activity evaluation in animal models of catalepsy.

Clinical/Pharmacological Aspect of Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonist for Dyskinesia

Dopamine replacement therapy using the dopamine precursor, l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA), with a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor is the most effective treatment currently available for the symptoms of Parkinsons disease (PD). However, the long-term use of dopaminergic therapies for PD is often limited by the development of motor response complications, such as dyskinesia. Adenosine A2A receptors are a promising nondopaminergic target for the treatment of PD. The treatment of motor response complications involves combinations of regular and controlled release L-DOPA, perhaps with the addition of a COMT inhibitor or the use of a longer-acting dopamine agonist. However, when dyskinesia is already established, the increase in dopaminergic load produced by the addition of a dopamine agonist can result in an increase in the severity and duration of dyskinesia. Currently, there are no well-tolerated antidyskinesia agents available. Amantadine, which may exert its effects through the inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, shows some effects on established dyskinesia. Dyskinesia has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients, sometimes being more disabling than PD itself. Although some patients prefer experiencing dyskinesia than being in the OFF state and unable to move, alternative, more effective therapies are still required for severe disabling dyskinesia to afford patients an improved quality of life while in the ON state. The mechanisms causing and maintaining the dyskinesia have not been clarified. The application of a nondopaminergic approach to modify the basal ganglial activity would be helpful to better understand and treat dyskinesia. The use of an adenosine A2A receptor may provide one such approach. In this literature review, we will summarize the current knowledge from both clinical and nonclinical studies on the effects of adenosine A2A receptor blockade on dyskinesia.

Effects of the adenosine A2A receptor antagonist on cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinsons disease (PD) is primarily characterized by motor abnormalities, but cognitive changes also occur in the early and late stages of the disease process. In PD patients, cognitive dysfunction is associated with reduced quality of life, as well as increased morbidity and mortality, resulting in increases in caregiver burden, and health-related costs. Therefore, safe and effective approaches are needed to treat cognitive dysfunction in PD patients. The underlying pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction is complex and not fully understood, however. α-Synuclein, amyloid-related proteins, and cholinergic deficits have been reported to partially contribute to cognitive dysfunction. Changes in cortical dopamine (DA) content may also be responsible for early cognitive changes in patients with PD. Certainly, dopaminergic afferents to the frontal cortex degenerate in PD, and there is a reduction of DA content in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). It has also been reported that PFC dopaminergic input plays an important role in working memory performance. Moreover, PFC DA levels and working memory performance are significantly reduced by a 6-hydroxydopamine lesion in the PFC of a rat. Recent findings in the areas of pharmacological manipulation and genetic ablation suggest that the adenosine A2A receptor is also related to cognitive functions, especially working memory. In addition, the blockade of adenosine A2A receptors reverses cognitive dysfunction in PFC-lesioned rats, and this blocking effect may be due to an increase in PFC DA content. Therefore, adenosine A2A receptor antagonists not only improve motor performance, but they may also lead to improved cognitive function in those with PD.

Novel lactopeptides in fermented dairy products improve memory function and cognitive decline

Alongside the rapid growth in aging populations, prevention of age-related memory decline and dementia has become a high priority. Several epidemiological and clinical studies have concluded that fermented dairy products can help to prevent cognitive decline; furthermore, intake of Camembert cheese prevents Alzheimers pathology in model mice. To elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying the preventive effects of fermented dairy products, here we screened peptides from digested fermented dairy products for ability to improve memory function in a scopolamine-induced amnesia mouse model. We found that Trp-Tyr (WY)-containing peptides from whey protein improved memory function in the mice, and the effects were confirmed in aged mice. The WY-containing peptides directly inhibited monoamine oxidase-B activity and increased dopamine levels in brain tissue. Pretreatment with dopamine receptor antagonist abolished the improvement in memory function due to WY-containing peptides. These results suggest that WY-containing peptides in fermented dairy products increase monoamine levels by inhibiting monoamine oxidase-B activity, helping to prevent age-related cognitive decline.